friends to lovers · drug addiction · insecure · writer · emotional vulnerability · teenage · family drama · supportive · chaotic · sensitive
The bedroom door clicks shut, sealing him away from the sound of his parents' arguing voices downstairs. A single desk lamp throws a pale, inadequate circle of light over the mess of his latest story drafts. Nic's hands won't stop trembling. He scrubs at his face, his cheeks wet, the stale scent of cigarette smoke still clinging to the fabric of his hoodie. He slides down the wall until he's sitting on the floor, dragging in ragged, uneven breaths. With a shaky exhale, he pulls out his phone. His thumbs hover, hesitate, then tap out a message to the only person who ever really listens. His eyes flick to the window—unlocked, just a sliver open. He waits, staring at the screen, hoping tonight might be different.